Placement Tests

Learn about the free placement tests for math, writing, and some language courses.

Before taking a math course at University of Maryland University College, you are required to take a free placement test. You may also take a placement test before enrolling in writing or French, German, and Spanish language courses.

If you plan on taking placement tests, you should do so immediately upon enrollment in the university. While test results are generally downloaded to students' records on a daily basis, it is strongly recommended that placement tests be taken at least four business days before the last day of term registration. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee your results will be posted in time for you to register for courses.

About Placement Testing at UMUC

To assess your skill levels in math and writing, UMUC uses the nationally recognized assessment exam called Accuplacer. For foreign languages, UMUC uses the WebCAPE Foreign Language Placement Exam. Proper placement in the critical core courses helps us ensure your success and allows you to advance more quickly to your degree goals. Our testing is done online in a proctored setting. There is no cost to you for taking the Accuplacer or the WebCAPE exam.

Use of calculators, other electronic devices, and study aids are not permitted while taking a placement test. Your final score is used to determine course placement. Keep in mind, you cannot fail a placement test.

Math Placement Test

You are required to take a math placement test before you can enroll into a math course at UMUC. You are exempt from the placement requirement for math only if you are transferring credit demonstrating successful completion of MATH 106 or MATH 107 or if you choose to begin with MATH 009. It is important to take this test early because you are expected to take MATH 106 or MATH 107 within your first 15 credit hours at UMUC.

The math placement test covers three areas. An arithmetic test measures your ability to perform basic arithmetic operations and to solve problems that involve fundamental arithmetic concepts. The elementary test measures your ability to perform algebraic operations and to solve problems that involve elementary algebraic concepts. The college-level test measures your ability to solve problems usually found in college-level mathematics concepts. The Practice Math Placement Test Questions will assist you in preparing for the test.

Writing Placement Test

You are not required to take a writing placement before you register for a writing course at UMUC. However, you may take advantage of the placement test for writing if you would like, but only before registering for a writing course. Even if you choose to take EDCP 103 to review basic writing and grammar skills before enrolling in the introductory writing course, you will still be required to take WRTG 101.

The writing placement test covers two areas: sentence skills, measuring your understanding of sentence structure, and reading comprehension, or how well you understand what you have just read. There is no essay requirement.

How to Take a Math or Writing Placement Test

Students who live in Maryland, Washington, D.C., or Northern Virginia can sit for math or writing placement tests at the Academic Center at Largo. There are other placement testing sites in Maryland—browse locations to see if a site near you offers testing. The Academic Center at Largo accepts both walk-ins and reservations. Placement tests at other local testing centers are by appointment only. Students who live outside of the local area can use a UMUC-approved alternate site.

Making Reservations for the Math or Writing Placement Test

Academic Center at Largo: Reservations can be made by accessing the Placement Exam Registration page after logging into MyUMUC.

Other Locations: Contact the location directly by phone for a schedule and to make reservations.

If you plan to take a math or writing placement test at an alternate site, you must submit the site information to Exams and Testing for approval, at least five to seven working days in advance of the date you'd like to take the test(s). Log into MyUMUC to access the Placement Exam Registration page, and then follow the prompts to register your alternate site information. Upon alternate site approval, you will be sent an e-mail confirmation with a "take-by" date. At the same time, your proctor will be e-mailed all necessary information, including your "take-by" date.

If your site is not approved, you will need to submit new information. The site you choose must have Internet access. Please follow any additional rules and policies specific to your alternate testing site as dictated by your proctor. Any site or proctor fees for approved alternate sites are your responsibility.

Foreign Language Placement Test

For French, German, and Spanish language courses, UMUC offers a self-administered multiple choice exam that is designed to help you land in the language course most suited to your current level of language proficiency. There is no charge for taking this exam, and it is not required to register for courses at UMUC.

Please e-mail languages@umuc.edu to determine if you need to take a foreign language placement exam.

The exam is administered online and requires 20 minutes. It is not proctored, but you should not use a dictionary or any other resources to take the test. Because the exam adapts to each student's level, the exam will likely cover both familiar and unfamiliar material, and you should not feel discouraged if you have to guess the answers to some questions. Because this test is used only for placement purposes, you should take the test only once per language.

The online exam cannot be used to satisfy any degree program requirements, earn credits, or substitute for a Course Challenge. The score on this exam and placement will not appear anywhere on your transcript. The score will be retained in UMUC's database and will be accessible only to designated administrators, but will not affect your academic status within the university.

How to Take a Foreign Language Placement Test

Select University of Maryland University College from the menu and click Go.

Enter "password" in the password field and click Login.

On the next page, choose the language from the dropdown menu, then click Begin.

Fill out all the fields on the Student Information page, including your first name, last name, e-mail address, and student ID number (if you do not yet have an ID number, leave this blank).

Once you have completed this page, click to continue and you will be taken to a practice question. When you answer the practice question, the exam will begin. Do not use your browser's "back" button during the exam or it will be interrupted and you will have to re-register to continue. Don't worry if there are questions you cannot answer. The exam is designed to have a variety of questions at a range of levels. Just do your best. Please do not use textbooks or dictionaries or get assistance from anyone to help with the test, as the score will then not accurately reflect the most appropriate level for you.

If you need to stop taking the test for some reason, you may re-enter your information at a later date and resume the exam exactly where you left off.

After taking a placement test, please e-mail languages@umuc.edu for a review of your score. Once your score has been reviewed, you will be informed which course is best for you.

Foreign Language Placement Test Course Requirements

You must take a placement test before enrolling in French, German, or Spanish language courses at UMUC if you have some degree of written or oral proficiency reading or speaking the language or if you are a native speaker of the language. Native speakers are not allowed into most UMUC language courses, with the exception of SPAN 314, SPAN 418, and SPAN 419.

If you transferred from another institution where you took language courses, and your credits transferred to your UMUC transcript, you will be able to register for the next language course in your series and do not need to take the placement test.

The 111 level of language classes are designed for students with no prior experience in the language. If you have already taken a language course at UMUC, you can enroll for the next course in the series without taking the exam.

Foreign Language Placement Test Technology Requirements

Please make sure you have at least a 56kbps internet connection. WebCAPE is designed to work with most popular modern browsers for Windows, Macintosh, and Unix computers that support Javascript and stylesheets. These include: Firefox, Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera, and Safari. The web browser must have JavaScript turned on.

Test Information for Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability or temporary disabling condition that will prevent you from taking the tests under standard test conditions, please e-mail Accessibility Services for information on testing accommodations.

Tips for Taking Placement Tests

Relax and gather your thoughts. Even though the test is online, the system is easy to use and the test is easy to take.

Make sure you understand all directions. Don't be afraid to ask your proctors (when applicable) to repeat instructions you may not have understood. When prompted for your Student ID number, enter your EMPLID number. You can locate this number in MyUMUC by visiting the MyInfo section to view your ID card.

Remember—there is no failing grade. Just answer each question to the best of your ability.

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UMUC For

Fundamentals of Writing and Grammar

EDCP 103 | 3 Credits

(Does not fulfill the general education requirement in communications. Recommended as preparation for WRTG 101, WRTG 101S, or upper-level writing courses.) A review of basic writing skills. The objective is to apply specific steps within the writing process; write effective sentences, paragraphs, and short essays; and edit writing for grammar and punctuation. Topics include the writing process; strategies for developing academic paragraphs and essays; and key aspects of grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. Practice in refining writing skills is provided. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: EDCP 103, EDCP 103X, ENGL 100, or WRTG 100.

Introductory Algebra

MATH 009 | 3 Credits

(Not open to students who have already successfully completed a higher-level mathematics course. Does not apply toward degree requirements. Yields institutional credit only.) A comprehensive review of real number properties and operations, including fractions, percentages, operations with signed numbers, and geometric formulas. The objective is to develop fluency in the language of introductory algebra; develop number sense and estimation skills; and use mathematical modeling to translate, solve, and interpret applied problems. Topics include linear equations and inequalities, equations of lines, graphs on number lines and rectangular coordinate systems, rules of exponents, and operations on polynomials. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 009, MATH 009M, or MATH 100.

Finite Mathematics

MATH 106 | 3 Credits

(Not intended for students planning to take MATH 107 or higher-numbered mathematics courses.) Prerequisite: MATH 012 or an appropriate result on the placement test. A study of mathematical models in finite mathematics, including linear models, systems of linear equations, linear programming, sets and counting, probability, descriptive statistics, and the mathematics of finance. The aim is to demonstrate fluency in the language of finite mathematics; find, solve, and graph linear equations and inequalities; describe sample spaces and event; assign probabilities to events and apply probability rules; and apply the mathematics of finance to formulate and solve problems.

College Algebra

MATH 107 | 3 Credits

(The first course in the two-course series MATH 107-108. An alternative to MATH 115). Prerequisite: MATH 012 or an appropriate result on the placement test. An introduction to equations and inequalities and a study of functions and their properties, including the development of graphing skills with polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The objective is to apply appropriate technology and demonstrate fluency in the language of algebra; communicate mathematical ideas; perform operations on real numbers, complex numbers, and functions; solve equations and inequalities; analyze and graph circles and functions; and use mathematical modeling to translate, solve, and interpret applied problems. Technology is used for data modeling. Discussion also covers applications. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 107 or MATH 115.

Modern Spanish-Speaking Cultures

SPAN 314 | 3 Credits

Prerequisite: SPAN 212 or appropriate score on placement test. An overview of the diverse cultures that constitute the Spanish-speaking world, taught entirely in Spanish. The objective is to foster intercultural communication skills, recognize aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures and their significance to global and American society, and employ strategies to enhance language development and cultural awareness. Discussion covers the social, historical, and political experience of the Spanish-speaking people of Latin America, Spain, and the United States.

Business Spanish I

SPAN 418 | 4 Credits

(Formerly SPAN 318.) Prerequisite: Any 300-level SPAN course or appropriate score on placement test. An exploration of business contexts and practices in the Spanish-speaking world, taught entirely in Spanish. The objective is to use knowledge of diverse business cultures to communicate and interact effectively in a business environment. Topics include contemporary economic conditions in various Spanish-speaking areas (including those within the United States), enterprise, management, human resources, and cultural issues that influence the workplace. Assignments include preparing a job-search portfolio and making a business presentation, both in Spanish. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPAN 315, SPAN 318, or SPAN 418

Business Spanish II

SPAN 419 | 4 Credits

Online sections require a computer with speakers and a microphone for oral synchronous communication. Prerequisite: Any 300-level SPAN course. A continued exploration of business conditions and practices in the Spanish-speaking world, taught entirely in Spanish. The goal is to use knowledge of diverse business cultures to communicate and interact effectively in a business environment in Spanish. Topics include contemporary economic conditions in various Spanish-speaking areas (including areas within the United States), marketing, investments, finances, logistics, and cultural issues that influence the market. Projects include preparation of a business proposal portfolio and a professional presentation with a peer review, both in Spanish.

Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMUC

UCSP 615 | 0 Credits

(Required within the first 6 credits of graduate study for all new graduate students, except MBA students). An overview of the skills needed for academic and professional success. Focus is on enhancing communication and critical thinking skills. Assignments provide familiarity with tools such as social media and library and information resources. APA style and resources are also addressed.

Introduction to Writing

WRTG 101 | 3 Credits

(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Practice in effective writing and clear thinking at all levels, including the sentence and paragraph, with emphasis on the essay and the integration of research into one's writing. A review of grammar is provided. The objective is to apply specific steps within the writing process, including formulating purpose, identifying an audience, and selecting and using research resources and methods of development. Emphasis is on revising essays and applying a recursive writing process. Assignments require the application of various rhetorical patterns, including narrative, comparison-contrast, and cause-effect analysis, and the integration of sources in APA format. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ENGL 101, ENGL 101X, WRTG 101, WRTG 101S, or WRTG 101X.